Art tips

As I traveled on a tour bus from Seefeld to Innsbruck in Austria, a loud voice from the back called out, "Can we stop somewhere to buy some tchotchkes and knick knacks?" The mention of souvenirs made me cringe a little as I wasn't fond of purchasing things that ultimately would end up forgotten. Even though they serve as mementos of our travels, I had one too many magnets that didn't stick or t-shirts that were mass-produced thousands of miles away. Despite my reluctance, we stopped at a shop full of beer steins, snow globes, scarfs, hats, and miniature dolls dressed in Austrian trachten. As I picked each one up, I heard that voice again, this time much closer, "That's a beautiful keepsake, you should get it." Although I don’t drink beer and have no use for the beautifully decorated Stein, I caved in and purchased it. Months later, when packing for another trip, I found the beer stein, still in the original packaging, and pawned it off to a friend, who promised to "have a cold one in it and remember our friendship", amidst several exasperated eye rolls.

When I emerge from an art gallery or a museum, the world around me looks different. Leaving the Metropolitan Museum of Art late one afternoon, the color of the sunlight is amplified by my memory of the luminous gold in a peacock’s tail rendered in a Japanese painting. Tire scuff marks on a curb near the Museum of Modern Art seem to recall the numinous power of Mark Rothko’s untitled black on gray painting.

Founded in 1626, just six years after the Mayflower arrived at what became Plymouth Colony, Salem is one of the oldest settlements in New England.

As the birthplace of American democracy — where the Founding Fathers debated and signed the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution — Philadelphia is best known for its rich history. Well, that and cheesesteaks, and that movie about that boxer.

Jakarta is sometimes overlooked by visitors bound for Java's ancient ruins or the beaches of Bali. But skipping this vast, teeming city in the far west of Java means missing out on world-class food and coffee, a historic old quarter, thriving art galleries, some of the best shopping in Southeast Asia and a surprisingly exciting nightlife scene.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a city on the rise; so much so that it just joined our Readers’ Choice Awards list of the best big cities in the US, ranking third—just behind San Diego and Chicago. Long considered nearby Chicago's little sibling, Milwaukee has finally come into its own by growing amongst younger people for its affordability over the Second City, allowing people to buy homes and rent better apartments. Not to mention the growing restaurant scene, new infrastructure increasing walkability, and enough city amenities for the Midwest gem to truly feel desirable—it’s no longer just a small town. And with so many local colleges and a venerated art museum, there is strong curiosity and willingness to embrace the new.

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Menacing clouds skulk over Ao Pra Beach like a pack of starving wolves at dusk. We don’t have much time. Racing against the impending storm, we chuck plastic bottles, food containers and beer-can rings into a washed-up rusty refrigerator, like we’re on a dystopian episode of Supermarket Sweep.

Texas looms large in American history and lore. The second largest state in the United States encompasses ancient rock art in its deserts, Latino culture in its cities, and cowboy history and classical paintings in its museums. To help rein in your trip, we consulted locals about where y’all should visit.

That funny time of the year has arrived — and it’s not even Halloween yet.

From the neon-light art installations to cool rooftop bars; genius space-saving rooms to artisan cocktail lists, the Moxy Hotels brand is all about fuelling a hotel stay with a playful essence. But, while youthful in ethos, Moxy, the youngest sister in Marriott Bonvoy’s hotel stable, also serves up a grown-up, intelligent offering, by tapping into what savvy travellers truly want from a city visit.

In September 2023, The Masterclasses by National Geographic Traveller (UK) returned with a brand-new series of expert-led online sessions for aspiring travel writers and travel photographers.  

Spectacular and diverse, New Zealand (also known as Aotearoa) is one of the world's most memorable destinations.

Tucked off a busy street in Holborn, and found in its own serene courtyard, some guests might be confused at first as to how they exactly check into Rosewood London. But, this is all part of its charm. Since its launch some 10 years ago, the hotel has become a staple on London’s luxury hospitality scene, regardless of its under-the-radar location, beloved by “in-the-know” Londoners and out-of-towners alike.

Journeying to New Zealand and exploring Aotearoa is a good choice any time of the year – but your experience will vary depending on what season you choose to visit.

I’m on a bus, hurtling over the hills at exhilarating speed. An oxbow lake flashes into view: while geography was never a passion, the sharp curves of the meandering river as it reaches the sea at Cuckmere Haven demand my full attention. The arresting view has featured in paintings by Eric Ravilious as well as a Hollywood film or two.

Long before white settlement and Lewis and Clark tramped through the area now known as Missoula, the Séliš and Qĺispé buffalo hunters gathered in the place where the Blackfoot and the Clark Fork Rivers meet to plan and reconnoiter, and to tell stories of their dangerous hunts.

Whether you want unique interior design, world-beating food, incredible value or simply a chance to escape the world for a day or two, you’re guaranteed a memorable stay at every one of our 42 winners and runners-up.

Flames, beasts, weapons, and stars flow from wooden looms to embellish brocade, a 1,300-year-old fabric once reserved for China’s elite and now popular with young fashion designers.

Situated in northwestern Greece, Epirus is a remote region peppered with quaint, white-stone villages and arterial rivers which cut through dense forests and towering massifs. Embraced by the Pindus Mountains on one side and the bright-blue Ionian Sea on the other, there's plenty of scope for a variety of adventures: adrenaline seekers have the option to hike, kayak or bike their way through the landscape, while more relaxed travellers can head to the coast for pristine white sands and secluded seaside towns. From the quaint, cobbled Zagorohoria villages, Metsovo and Mikro Papogo, to atmospheric Ioannina and the summer resorts of Parga and Syvota, here are five charming towns and villages to visit across this wildly underrated region. 

Los Angeles may be home to all the Hollywood glitz and glam, but there are still many exciting activities and experiences that don't cost a dime.